Photo: Dominique Cappronnier/Flickr
Even though the so-called "Mozart effect" — the idea that listening to classical music makes kids smarter — was debunked years ago, new studies emerge regularly that tout the positive effects of music on children. The key difference is that the current studies emphasize active participation, not just passive listening. That can include picking up an instrument, singing along or even watching a live performance.
Music is inherently a participatory, social activity. Musicians interact with one another in lessons and ensembles, and they engage with audiences in performance. So before you put on that Baby Einstein CD for the thousandth time, consider exploring one of the hands-on musical experiences that the region has to offer:
Collegiate concerts: Local colleges and universities are great places to catch live music in a variety of genres. The concert atmosphere tends to be much more relaxed and many of the performances are inexpensive or free. Faculty and guest artists are often top-notch, and seeing students on the cusp of professional careers can be inspiring.
Top-shelf jazz and rock: The Triple Door and Dimitriou's Jazz Alley are great places to catch world-class jazz, and most of their shows are all-ages. Many clubs, such as Neumos and the Neptune, will occasionally host all-ages shows with alcohol service confined to a balcony or other fenced-off area.
Classical for kiddos: The Seattle Symphony's Soundbridge Music Discovery Center features interactive exhibits, an instrument petting zoo, and drop-in classes for just $10. The space can be reserved for birthday parties that include activities led by a teaching artist. seattlesymphony.org/soundbridge
Rising stars: The Tacoma-based Puget Sound Music for Youth Association encourages young rockers under the age of 19 to collaborate, perform and compete. "We play The Swiss [Restaurant & Pub] in Tacoma once a month and take over to put on an all-youth show. It goes for five to seven hours and typically draws 250 to 300 people," said Paul Manuel, one of the directors.
"We give our kids more stage time on big venues than other programs that are similar to ours. Two of the kids from our association who had never had played in rock bands before us went on to appear on Season 5 of The Voice." Students as young as 8 have rocked out in more than 700 performances since the organization was founded in 2009. Membership is free, and information about joining and upcoming shows is available on Facebook.
